Topical Bible: Priest: Before Moses: Called "Angel"

◄ Priest: Before Moses: Called "Angel" ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the role of a priest before the Mosaic Law is a subject of considerable interest and theological reflection. The term "priest" as we understand it today, with its specific duties and functions, is largely defined by the Levitical priesthood established under Moses. However, the concept of a priestly figure existed even before this formal establishment, and in some instances, these figures are referred to as "angels" or messengers of God.

One of the earliest references to a priestly figure is Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who is described as "priest of God Most High" (Genesis 14:18). Melchizedek's priesthood is unique and mysterious, as he appears suddenly in the narrative, blesses Abram, and then vanishes from the historical account. His priesthood is later referenced in Psalm 110:4 and expounded upon in the New Testament book of Hebrews, where it is likened to the eternal priesthood of Christ.

The term "angel" in the Old Testament is often synonymous with "messenger" and can refer to both divine and human agents. In some instances, these messengers perform priestly functions, acting as intermediaries between God and humanity. For example, in the story of Manoah and his wife, the angel of the Lord appears to announce the birth of Samson and instructs them on how to raise the child (Judges 13:3-21). This angelic figure functions in a priestly capacity, delivering divine instructions and facilitating communication between God and His people.

Furthermore, the patriarchs themselves, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, often acted in priestly roles, building altars and offering sacrifices to God. These actions demonstrate an early form of priesthood, where the head of the family served as the spiritual leader and mediator for his household.

In summary, before the formal establishment of the Levitical priesthood under Moses, priestly figures existed in various forms, often referred to as "angels" or messengers. These individuals, whether divine or human, served as intermediaries between God and His people, foreshadowing the more structured priesthood that would come later. The concept of priesthood before Moses highlights the continuity of God's plan for mediation and intercession, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest.

Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 5:6
Suffer not your mouth to cause your flesh to sin; neither say you before the angel, that it was an error: why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... 2 Chronicles 34:14, 15; "Hilkiah the priest found the ... is called "The Book." It was
read before the King ... been prescribed in "the law of Moses." Josiah commanded ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

Moses.
... taking care of the flocks of a priest called Jethro. ... and became very angry, saying
that Moses and Aaron ... and he treated the poor Israelites worse than before. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/moses.htm

Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should be a Priest?
... showed me the high-priest standing before the angel ... distinct: wherefore the Lord
said to Moses the lawgiver ... ix), so that the priest himself, as being between ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting that 3.htm

The Name Jesus and Also the Name Christ were Known from the ...
... thee in the mount," [54] he consecrated a man high priest of God ... name of Jesus, which
had never been uttered among men before the time of Moses, he applied ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the name jesus and.htm

Strange Fire
... expression is used, 'There came forth fire from before the Lord ... It is a universal
law which Moses sternly spoke to ... was to be very present to the priest in his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/strange fire.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... they were to be left by him before they had ... they all followed after him weeping;
but Moses beckoned with ... the senate, and Eleazar the high priest, and Joshua ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

Fragment xxxii. Josephus Says, that when Moses had Been Brought up ...
... brother], and adorned with the dignity of high priest. ... surrender of this city (Saba,
afterwards called Mero?�) Moses ... else when he said of Moses, before he was ...
/.../fragment xxxii josephus says that.htm

How those that Stirred up this Sedition were Destroyed, According ...
... 4. And now Moses called for those that contended about ... might be made who should be
priest, and that ... theirs which they brought with them, before the tabernacle. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how those that.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... they received only the five books of Moses; but they ... his conduct to remark, that
he was now before judges, from ... The high-priest had already commanded him to be ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood
... were the forerunners of the Great High Priest, His followers ... he feared Me, and was
afraid before My name ... Moses called all who were on the Lord's side, who were ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xv the covenant of.htm